He added: "He exploited their innocent dreams to build relationships with them and abuse them. I hope that in receiving a lengthy custodial sentence he recognises the seriousness of his actions."

When police raided his home they found a diary and pictures of young girls.

Posters were also found dating back to the time he spent living in Williton, prompting police to appeal for any victims to come forward.

Francis used this poster offering singing lessons in Yeovil for young children

The court heard that after children responded to his posters, he would then write them letters in which he would say how much he wanted to hug and kiss them, but warned them to keep the letters hidden.

He was caught after one of his victims told a PCSO about what was going on during a routine school visit.

At Taunton Crown Court, the judge praised the victim for telling the police.

The court also heard Francis was not under supervision as he had been removed from the sex offenders' register in 2010 and his last conviction was in 2005.

On his eventual release Francis will be placed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.